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"He's been like that since the mission," Scott said to Professor X as Ghost walked by holding his books, his head down, staring unseeingly at the floor, completely silent.
"They all have," Jean said quietly, referring to Ghost, Kitty and Kurt. "Since she left they just haven't been the same. They used to be some of the louder kids, Ghost and Kurt pulling pranks and joking around, all of them happy. I would even like Kitty's screaming back. But now they're all depressed, quiet. Can barely get them up, let alone speak."
"But Ghost seems to suffer the most," Storm said, walking up, guessing the topic.
"That's cause the shrimp meant a lot to them. Especially him," Wolverine growled. They looked over at him in surprise, not having heard him come up.
"You mean how close of friends they were?" Scott asked curiously.
"No. The four of them were friends but they were also paired up," Wolverine said.
Jean covered her mouth. "Oh no. You don't mean-"
"Exactly," Wolverine said. "While the four of them weren't dating 'officially', I think we all knew about Kurt and Kitty. But so were Ghost and Kira." Wolverine cleared his throat. "I caught them in the hall after Kira walked out of the dance. They were uh, a bit preoccupied."
Storm smiled slightly. "I'm sure you dealt with it accordingly."
"No wonder he's taking it so hard," Jean said, her eyes sympathetic, "Poor Ghost!"
"I'll have a talk with him," the Professor said, "See what I can work out. You, Jean, and Scott, work with Kitty and Kurt."
"Yes Professor," Scott said as they split up for the day.
* * *
Ghost lay back on his bed, his hands behind his head, and closed his eyes. Behind his eyelids his mind played the night of the dance over again for him. The memories were so vivid he could hear the music playing in his mind again. He swallowed hard, tears coming to his eyes as he watched her as she danced, then remembered the kiss they had shared afterwards. It all seemed so real, as if he was reliving it again....
"Remembering?" Ghost sat up straight and stared at Professor X.
"For a guy in a wheel chair you sure are quiet," Ghost said in an annoyed tone.
"So I've been told," the Professor said, watching him. "How are you holding up?"
Not having expected the question so directly, Ghost gaped in surprise then swallowed hard. "Not well."
"Mmm, it doesn't seem that Kurt and Kitty are all right either. Is it because of Kira?"
"Yes. Isn't there anyway you could find her Professor? See if she's ok, bring her back..." Ghost trailed off, his eyes painfully begging as the Professor shook his head.
"I'm afraid not. Somehow she's learned to block her thoughts on her own so I can't track her. There's no way to know how or where she is. And there would be no way to bring her back unless it was by her own will."
"Are you sure there's no way to know where she is?" Ghost pleaded.
"I'm afraid not. She could be anywhere by now," the Professor said.
How about in Bayville? Both men jumped as the thought entered their heads.
Kira? Ghost thought frantically.
Of course jerk, the voice teased. Who else would it be?
Where are you Kira? We'll send the jet to pick you up-
No that's ok Professor. I'm sure I can make it on my own when I'm ready. Just dropping in a hello. Tell Kitty and Kurt I said I hope things are working out all right and that I miss them.
Ghost swallowed hard. Are- aren't you coming back?
There was a sigh in his mind. Wait and see. Then it felt as if she vanished.
"So she's in Bayville," the Professor said. "I'll have to mention this to the others." He turned and left as quietly as he had come.
Ghost walked to the window and sighed. A sudden breeze picked up. He frowned at the odd feeling he was getting from it and then he noticed something flying towards him on the wind. It froze in front of his window so he could grab it. He read quickly.
*Come outside.*
Ghost quickly ran out of his room and down the stairs, when he walked out the doors another note blew up.
*Head for the woods.*
Ghost walked towards the woods. He reached the edge and found a note hovering for him.
*You may not like how much I've changed in the last few weeks. But in any case, take 10 steps in and then turn around.*
Ghost followed the instructions, puzzling over them, then slowly turned around. Standing behind him was a shadowed figure.
"Kira," he said quietly, and grinned. He took a step forward and she held up a hand.
"Don't come near me Ghost. I- You need to see me as I am now before you so much as come near me." She stepped forward and Ghost's eyes widened.
His eyes traveled her body taking in the long black trench coat that was buttoned a few inches under her breasts, the long black skirt that peeked out from under it, and the black, spaghetti strapped belly shirt, which was mostly visible. He took in the rings on her hands, one for each finger as opposed to the three from before, the black choker, and the make-up that was on her face; dark red lipstick and black eye shadow. Her long hair was down around her shoulders.
"See what I've become? Can you really accept me?" her voice was cold, "I just came to show you, I've already figured out the answer. I'll see you some day again I suppose." She paused a moment. "Good-bye Ghost." She turned, hiding the emotion in her eyes as she walked away.
"Kira! Wait!" Ghost called, running after her. She paused and looked back at him.
He stopped a foot in front of her. "You're still the same Kira underneath. I know it. And there's no way I'm letting you escape me again." He slowly walked towards her and stopped an inch away.
"Do you still want me in your life?"
Kira's mouth silently moved, her eyes filling with tears. She threw herself forward and they kissed desperately for a long moment. They finally broke apart, gasping. She grinned at him.
"I haven't changed quite so much. Wait a moment," she said, and disappeared into the brush.
Ghost unconsciously and nervously shifted, waiting. Then Kira stepped out, his whistled in appreciation as he looked her over.
She had removed the trench coat and the long skirt had turned into her typical black pants. She had removed some of her rings, leaving one on her left forefinger, her right middle finger, both pinkies and both thumbs. She had somehow managed to get rid of the make-up, but left the choker and her boots had turned to white sneakers.
He grinned at her and wrapped an arm around her waist. Leading her back towards the mansion in silence except for the initial sentence of,
"Okay then gorgeous. Let's go show you off,"
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A/N: there u have the third chapter up for post today! I'll try n get more in later! Betcha can't wait till the next chapter now can u?? lol Byez!